Shippers educated on ECOWAS Common External Tariff

The workshop brought together key stakeholders in the industry in a move to erase misconceptions about the CET.The workshop brought together key stakeholders in the industry in a move to erase misconceptions about the CET.

A workshop to educate exporters and importers on the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) has been organised by the Ghana Shippers Authority in Takoradi.

Shippers in Ghana have rejected the CET and accused government of selectively applying the law which came into force in January.

The workshop was the third in a series, according to Mr. Seidu Yakubu, Assistant Commissioner of Import and Export at the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).

“The Authority is mandated to promote import and export, and this CET affects importers and exporters -- following the implementation this year, we realised there has been some misinformation from our own shippers, hence the need for this workshop,” he said

According to him, if there is no confrontation between traders, custom and government, “it will boost business in the country.”

Yakubu added that shippers could take advantage and enjoy some benefits of the CET if they understand what it is about.

“Under the CET you can register certain products that enjoin some exemption; it is important we let the shippers know to enable them enjoy some benefit. If there is better understanding, then the implementation process will be good,” he added.